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On September 23, 2012 the Broad Band Commission for Digital Development has launched its first-ever country-by-country snapshot of the state of broadband in the developing world and set out its targets to achieve ‘Digital Inclusion For All’ by 2015.

A Bold, Bright Broadband Future – the Commission’s vision for 2015

It is time for world leaders to embrace the challenge of bringing the benefits of broadband to all people, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.Today, there are over five billion mobile subscriptions and over 2 billion Internet users worldwide, with the next billion ready and waiting to be connected to broadband. However, broadband access is still unaffordable and unavailable for billions around the world. In 2010, broadband access still costs over 50% of average income in more than 30 countries, while in 2010, in developing countries, fixed broadband penetration was only 4.2 per 100 inhabitants, with mobile broadband penetration at 5.3 per 100 inhabitants.
The Broadband Commission is therefore proposing to set clear, new targets for making broadband policy universal and for boosting affordability and access to broadband:

• By 2015, 60% of developing countries should include broadband in their Universal Service/Access Definitions.
• By 2015, broadband prices should amount to less than 5% of average monthly income in all countries, including developing countries.
• By 2015, 40% of households in developing countries should have Internet access.
• By 2015, Internet user penetration should reach 60% worldwide, 50% in developing countries and 15% in LDCs.

Imagine a world where every child had access to education in his or her language – a world that broadband can help deliver. Imagine a world where every mother and child had access to the healthcare they needed – leveraged by broadband networks. Imagine a world where poverty and hunger were dramatically reduced – through individuals (such as farmers and traders) having access to the information they need at their fingertips, delivered by broadband in their local language. This is the world the Commission wants to see by 2015, and will take active steps to realize this vision.

ABOUT THE COMMISSION

The Broadband Commission for Digital Development was established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in response to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s call to step up efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Launched in May 2010, the Commission comprises government leaders from around the world and the top-level representatives and leaders from relevant industries and international agencies and organizations concerned with development.
The Broadband Commission embraces a range of different perspectives in a multi-stakeholder approach to promoting the roll-out of broadband, and provides a fresh approach to UN and business engagement. To date, the Commission has published a number of high-level policy reports, as well as a number of best practices and case studies. This report is published by the Commission on the occasion of the 2012 Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

More information about the Commission is available at: www.broadbandcommission.org